I have been in the teaching profession for the past eight years and am shocked and very disappointed that I find myself in a strike situation. Yes, I support the strike because not only do I find the level of pay disproportionate for the job I and my collegues do. I frequently feel frustration at how quick both government and industries in the public sector are to criticize standards of education and yet they value us so little. It has been broadcast that the average pay for a teacher is in the region of £33.000 p.a; however, I after eight years still do not earn that much despite rising to the upper payscale. The fact is that the maximum that a classroom teacher can earn is in the region of £40.000 p.a. It is therefore no surprise to me that younger teachers after studying for four years saddled with university debts leave the profession. Perhaps those in government need to be reminded of the fact that the teaching profession is fundermental to success of future generations.

kaydaw:

I have been in the teaching profession for the past eight years and am shocked and very disappointed that I find myself in a strike situation. Yes, I support the strike because not only do I find the level of pay disproportionate for the job I and my collegues do. I frequently feel frustration at how quick both government and industries in the public sector are to criticize standards of education and yet they value us so little. It has been broadcast that the average pay for a teacher is in the region of £33.000 p.a; however, I after eight years still do not earn that much despite rising to the upper payscale. The fact is that the maximum that a classroom teacher can earn is in the region of £40.000 p.a. It is therefore no surprise to me that younger teachers after studying for four years saddled with university debts leave the profession. Perhaps those in government need to be reminded of the fact that the teaching profession is fundermental to success of future generations.

hi, wouldnt be a teacher today, i would want danger money, unruly kids, violence, not able to discipline...no respect,,I had a great teacher who brought out the best in me and i will forever be in her debt,  but those day when a teacher was to be respected are long gone.

the public sector are to criticize standards of education and yet they value us so little.

Could be they are valued so little BECAUSE of the standards.

It has been broadcast that the average pay for a teacher is in the region of £33.000 p.a; however, I after eight years still do not earn that much despite rising to the upper payscale.

Yes these "average" figures give a very inaccurate picture.  But then £15,000 would be a dream salary to some people (but I suppose some people think they deserve a pittance because they're not "educated"?).